subject: Track Down Luxury Cross-country European Vacations And Learn Tips Traditional Surfing Spots And Thin [print this page] Book European Vacations to See Rome's Beautiful Churches
Your European vacations would be richer and more meaningful with a visit to some of Romes most beautiful churches. The city has five patriarchal basilicas, ceremonially assigned to one of the patriarchs. San Giovanni in Laterano, for St. John Lateran, the Pope, is the popes first church. It is Romes cathedral and was built in the Baroque style. Exquisite 5th century biblical mosaics, marble floors, spectacular ceilings and a bell tower are things you will see when you visit the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, for St. Mary Major, the Patriarch of Antioch. Located in the Vatican City, San Pietro in Vaticano was set aside for the Patriarch of Constantinople, St. Peter's Basilica. The church of the current pope, it is one of the largest and probably the most important Catholic church in the world. Inside the large interior, you can see a lot of marble, bronze, and gold artwork, not the least of which is Michelangelo's Pieta. San Paolo fuori le Mura, St. Paul Outside the Walls, the Patriarch of Alexandria, is Romes second largest and is said to be the Apostle Paul's burial site.
Unearth the Gems of London on European Vacations
All European vacations must include a stop at the great city of London. Start your journey with a visit to St. Paul's Cathedral; designed by Sir Christopher Wren, this famous London landmark was finished in 1708. The beautiful mosaics on the walls have captured the admiration of many guests. Head to London's financial district where you can see the Lord Mayor's residence at the Mansion House and the Bank of England. Of course, the Tower of London is a must-see, too. It is an old medieval fortress that has, in its 1,000 years of existence, been a royal palace, a prison, a mint, and a zoo!A selection from the Crown Jewels of the royal family is on display, including the Kohi-i-Noor and the Cullinan diamonds. Hop on a boat and cruise the Thames River for a relaxing afternoon tour of the city's many attractions. Once you are on land, stroll along the river banks and head to the London Eye; this iconic Ferris wheel used to be the highest in the world at 135 meters.
European Vacations to Nice, France
Beat the summer heat in Nice during your European vacations by hitting the museums. Top of the list on the contemporary side is the Muse dArt Moderne et dArt Contemporain, which has a large permanent collection from New Realism, the Nice School and Pop Art. Galerie Jean Renoir highlights new, young local talent, and is free. Set on a quaint 17th century villa, the Muse Matisse features a mind-boggling number of personal effects, engravings, drawings and paintings to the delight of fans of this beloved artist. The Muse National Message Biblique Marc Chagall is a stark contrast, its paintings with biblical themes an assault on the senses displayed in a bare structure that belies the color within. Aside from featuring lovely museums, Nice is also home to some of the most beautiful churches in France. Russian Orthodox influence shines prominently on the architecture of Cathdrale Saint Nicolas, while Chapelle de la Misricorde is a striking example of French baroque religious architecture.
Romantic European Vacations in Venice
Have romantic European vacations in Venice, which has been known worldwide as the City of Water, City of Canals and City of Bridges. Reputed to be one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, Venice is made up of 117 islands in the Venetian Lagoon located on the Adriatic Sea in northeast Italy. Begin your journey with a visit to its many interesting museums. A valuable collection of ancient texts and manuscripts are kept at the Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana, the National Library of St. Mark named after the patron saint of Venice. The museum gallery of Gallerie dellAccademia displays art pieces from ancient times up to the 18th century. The Peggy Guggenheim Collection displays the work of prominent American modernists and Italian futurists such as Picasso and Dal in the cubism, surrealism and abstract expressionism genres. Palazzo Ducale, or Doge's Palace, is a sight to behold from the equally beautiful St. Mark's Square and Venetian Lagoon. Walk along the Rialto Bridge with your loved one; the romantic atmosphere can be the perfect setting for a long-awaited proposal.
